Best 10 Profitable Small Business Ideas in Zambia

Are you searching for the most profitable small business ideas in Zambia? Find here a list of the best business ideas in Zambia for your ready reference.

Zambia is a landlocked country in Southern Africa. The capital of the country is Lusaka. Also, it is the largest city in the country.

Zambia is a developing country. And the economy of the country is growing very fast. Though the country doesn’t hold a good position globally in ease of doing business, the Government is trying its best to promote the small-scale industries there.

Hence, starting a small, medium, or large-scale business is really a good decision for people living in Zambia or people from foreign countries.

List of 10 Small Business Ideas in Zambia

Before listing down the best small-scale business opportunities, let us provide you with some profitable home-based online business ideas that can fetch you good income with very little or absolutely no investment. Our recommended business from home in Zambia is the following:

• Start a Blog
• Be an Affiliate Marketer
• Become a Freelancer
• Try Content Writing
• Start a YouTube Channel

If you are looking forward to starting on a small scale, the following types of businesses are potentially profitable in Zambia.

#1. Agriculture

Agriculture plays a very important part in Zambia’s economy. Additionally, livestock farming is also popular in the country. Basically, cattle, pork, chicken, and dairy items are most popular in the food processing sector. Furthermore, edible oil production, flour milling, and sugar milling fetch considerable revenue in Zambia. Read More…

#2. Education

Education is another great sector for starting a new venture in Zambia. Additionally, in the education sector, there are several business opportunities that demand small capital investment. However, thorough market research and proper planning are important in starting a business in the education sector. Read More…

#3. Electrical & Electronics Business

If you are an expert in the field of electrical & electronics, you can start a business in Zambia. Generally, these businesses are easy to start. Also, these are very lucrative business opportunities for electrical engineers. However, any individual having experience and knowledge can start a business in this field. Read More…

#4. Healthcare

The Healthcare sector is also growing in Zambia. And still, there is a lot of work yet to be done in this segment. Therefore, the healthcare sector opens a wide range of business opportunities for young entrepreneurs. However, you must start a business according to your expertise and investment capacity.

#5. Start a Manufacturing Business in Zambia

Small-scale manufacturing is one of the most potential sectors in Zambia. And this is one of the most lucrative sectors revenue-wise. However, in general, the manufacturing business demands reasonable capital investment initially. Capital investment is required for machinery, equipment, raw materials, staffing, and marketing purposes. Read More…

#6. Recycling

Any individual can earn handsome money from the recycling business. The magnitude of garbage that we produce is increasing day by day at a disturbing rate. While most people are aware of the effects of not recycling used materials, many more are not even aware that recycling can be a lucrative business. Knowing how to start a recycling business will offer you a way of earning money in an eco-friendly manner. Read More…

#7. Shoe Shine Stand

Shoeshine shop is a very lucrative business even for new entrepreneurs. Additionally, the business ensures revenue generation from day one. Actually, a shoeshine shop provides the cleaning and shining services of the shoes. Sometimes, this kind of shop provides more services like repair, etc. However, most of the shops attract office or college-going customers. Read More…

#8. Telecommunication

Telecommunication is an emerging sector in Zambia. Most of the business in this sector demands a lot of capital investment. However, there are some opportunities you can find that you can start with moderate capital investment. Read More…

#9. Tourism

Zambia has some of nature’s best wildlife and game reserves affording the country abundant tourism potential. The North Luangwa, South Luangwa, and Kafue National Parks have one of the most prolific animal populations in Africa. Victoria Falls in the Southern part of the country is a major tourist attraction. Read More…

#10. Transport

Transport business opportunities are emerging globally nowadays. Transportation is one of the world’s largest industries. Different types of specific demands with changing lifestyle habits have introduced several innovative and profitable startup opportunities in the transport industry.

The transportation and logistics sector is growing rapidly worldwide. The success of transportation and logistics companies depends decisively on the quality and qualifications of their employees. Broadly, aviation, shipping & ports, land transport, and road freight & logistics are the major. Read More…

Zambia is still dealing with economic reform issues such as the size of the public sector and improving Zambia’s social sector delivery systems. Additionally, the economic regulations and red tape are extensive, and corruption is widespread. Hence, proper market research and strategic planning are important in starting a business in Zambia.

Frequently Asked Questions

What can I sell in Zambia?

The 10 best-selling products in Zambia at present are the following:

• Mobile Phones.
• Cosmetics
• Computers and Accessories.
• Books
• Educational Materials.
• Clothing and Fashion Accessories.
• Tobacco and Alcohol.
• Building Materials.
• Skincare Products.
• Electrical Appliances.

What are the best cities to start a business in Zambia?

Some of the best business-friendly places and cities in Zambia are as follows:

• Lusaka.
• Ndola.
• Kitwe.
• Chingola.
• Kabwe
• Mufulira.
• Luanshya.
• Livingstone.

How do I start a simple business in Zambia?

Any foreign investor can incorporate a sole director company in Zambia. One can register a fully owned local company here in this country even without having any Zambian shareholders. The most common form of registering a local firm in Zambia is a limited liability company.

Here are the steps to start a business in Zambia;

• Find a Business Name
• The declaration of compliance (Companies Form 11) must be signed by a Commissioner of Oaths.
• Obtain a tax ID number.
• Register for Social Security.
• Pay Business Levy
• Register for VAT.
• Open a Business Bank Account

In addition, check with local competent authorities and find out the specific licenses and permits that are required to run your selected business in the desired locality in Zambia.